Nasdaq insists it's still suitor for NYSE

The Nasdaq OMX Group and IntercontinentalExchange responded to the rejection of its bid for NYSE Euronext by reaffirming that cash and stock offer is superior to the offer submitted by rival Deutsche Boerse AG, according to a report by Reuters.

"The feedback we have received from NYSE Euronext stockholders is very positive, and we would expect NYSE Euronext would, at the very least, meet with us and our advisers to discuss the merits of the proposed combination," Reuters said quoting a statement from Nasdaq chief executive Robert Greifeld.

Earlier in the day, The Associated Press reported that NYSE Euronext said its board hd decided to turn down the offer, which was submitted earlier this month, because it was "highly conditional" and would have caused unnecessary risk for shareholders.

The company said it is sticking with its plan to combine with German exchange operator Deutsche Boerse AG. NYSE agreed to that $10 billion deal in February.

The rejection of the Nasdaq/ICE bid was expected. Analysts have said that a deal between the companies would have led to more job losses. They also worried that a combination would raise antitrust concerns in Washington if Nasdaq and NYSE created one big U.S. stock market exchange.

NYSE said the Deutsche Boerse deal creates more value for investors and is "significantly more likely to close."

Officials with Nasdaq OMX Group and IntercontinentalExchange Inc. did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.